Modest Mouse replaces guitarist amid scandal

An indie rock tour schedule just got a little reshuffled. The celebrated band Modest Mouse has made a public announcement regarding their upcoming North American leg, bringing immediate attention to a sensitive matter involving one of their guitarists.

The decision comes as the group prepares to tour in support of their eighth studio album, An Eraser and a Maze. While the band is excited about the music and the stage ahead, they have also made a definitive statement regarding personnel for the upcoming run.

In a recent update shared via their Instagram account, Modest Mouse confirmed that guitarist Simon O’Connor will not be joining them on the forthcoming tour. Instead, the band has brought in Les Savy Fav guitarist Seth Jabour to step in and handle the guitar duties.

Billboard reported the change, noting that the band expressed their anticipation for the rest of the tour: “The good news is that Seth Jabour of Les Savy Fav will be jumping in to play guitar. We look forward to being out there with you all.”

The announcement shifts focus from musical arrangements to a private dispute that recently surfaced online. The decision by the band to make this change was prompted by allegations concerning O’Connor’s past social media interactions.

The controversy stems from claims made on social media where an individual alleged that O’Connor had sent inappropriate messages and shared images to a minor, asserting that they were between 16 and 17 years old at the time. The situation sparked a public response from O’Connor himself, who addressed the claims directly.

In a post addressing the allegations, O’Connor stated that he unequivocally opposes any sexual behavior toward minors. He further explained his subsequent actions, indicating that he mistakenly believed the alleged sender was someone who had repeatedly created fake social media accounts to troll him. Upon realizing the error, he immediately ceased communication and unsent the messages.

This public interaction highlights the often complex intersection of personal life and professional performance in the music industry. While Modest Mouse remains focused on their upcoming tour dates—running from August 4th in Ojai, California, through October 24th in Sacramento—the situation serves as a reminder that even high-profile figures navigate challenges that extend far beyond the stage lights.